What Are the 7 Signs of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is the deadliest cancer women can have. The global statistics are alarming. The disease kills around 750,000 women every year. The number is enough to understand why early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial.

To identify the possible existence of breast cancer, women must be aware of the common symptoms of the condition. This knowledge will enable early visits to the doctor and result in early diagnosis and treatment. When breast cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, i.e., when the cancer is still localised, the five-year relative survival rate becomes more than 99%.

The section below discusses the seven signs of breast cancer that one must be wary of.

7 Signs of Breast Cancer You Should Never Ignore

1. Lumps in and Around Your Breast

Performing breast examinations regularly (ideally, once a month) at home helps women spot this symptom. As you press various parts of your breasts, you should be careful about any lump that feels different from your normal breast tissue.

If it’s a cancerous lump, it will most likely be firm and have an irregular shape. Such lumps typically don’t move easily under the skin. What’s more, they also don’t hurt. Regardless of the characteristics of your breast lump, consulting a doctor is essential.

2. Unexplained Heaviness or Swelling of the Breasts

Does one of your breasts suddenly appear heavier, bigger, and hotter than the other? If yes, these changes can be due to cancer-induced inflammation. Here, you must know that these changes in your breast can occur with or without a lump. Whatever might be the case, you shouldn’t overlook it.

3. Swelling Around Your Collarbone or in Your Armpit

It is common for breast cancer to travel to the nearby lymph nodes. This frequently happens even before the patient can feel any lump in her breasts. Therefore, it would be wise to consult a physician if you notice a hard knot or swelling around your collarbone or in your armpit. Ideally, you should visit a doctor if the swelling doesn’t go away within a week.

4. Visual Changes in Your Breast Skin

During the monthly self-examination, you should stand in front of the mirror to see whether there’s any visual change in your breasts. Some changes you should look for include:

• Dimpled skin
• Skin that’s peeling like an orange
• Puckered skin
• Redness of the skin (often along with excessive itchiness)

The above changes, along with excessive tightness of the breast skin, can be the result of blocked lymph nodes due to a breast tumour and thus require immediate evaluation.

Another common change triggered by cancerous breast lumps is visible veins on one breast. This tends to occur suddenly and without any trigger like injury, weight change, or pregnancy. According to experts, the visible veins can be a sign of increased blood flow due to a breast tumour.

5. Sudden and Significant Changes in the Shape and Size of a Breast

It’s natural to experience changes in the shape and size of your breasts as you age. However, such changes occur gradually. If these changes are sudden, you should not wait long before seeing a doctor.

6. Changes in Your Nipple

Any changes in the structure or position of your nipple can indicate the presence of breast cancer. If there’s an abrupt change in the direction of the nipple or if you suddenly feel that the nipple has been pulled inward, it’s time to see a doctor.

Another change you must be careful about is an abnormal discharge from your breast. If you see that a clear or bloody liquid is coming out of one of your breasts without squeezing, you must visit a doctor as soon as possible.

7. Persistent Pain in a Particular Spot

Pain in the breasts is common during the menstrual cycle. Period-induced breast pain is usually intermittent and goes away completely once the monthly cycle ends. You should associate your breast pain with the possibility of having breast cancer if it is persistent and stays in the same part of the breast.

Conclusion

If you experience any one or more of the above symptoms, the first thing you must do is contact your family doctor. If the changes are alarming, he/she will refer you to an oncologist for an accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Wondering how to find a trusted oncologist? With Reopine, finding a specialist you can rely on has become easier than ever before. Visit Reopine and book an appointment with one of their empanelled oncologists. The specialists at Reopine can also help you if you already have a diagnosis but are looking for a second opinion.